NFL Predictions, Part 4

Lost in the shuffle of the exciting college football weekend are the last installment of NFL projections. These come from the AFC South and West divisions.

The Indianapolis Colts return as defending Super Bowl champions. They will wear a large target on their back. Nonetheless, they should overwhelm the other teams in the AFC South. Tennessee rode the legs of Vince Young to 8 wins last season, and look to finish just short of the playoffs this season, as well. Jacksonville is changing quarterbacks, as Byron Leftwich has been let go in favor of David Garrard. The Houston Texans aren't totally hopeless, but they are hapless until proven otherwise.

AFC South Projections
Indianapolis 11-5
Tennessee 10-6
Jacksonville 8-8
Houston 5-11

The AFC West is both a feast and a famine. On one end, you have the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers. Both teams look strong this season. On the other end, you have the atrocious Oakland Raiders, who are projected to win one game. The sorriness of the Raiders will help the records of the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs.

AFC West Projections
Denver 12-4
San Diego 12-4
Kansas City 10-6
Oakland 1-15

NFL Predictions, Part 3

As promised, after a long wait, this blog's projections for the AFC are now ready.

The strength of the NFL is definitely in the AFC. While the NFC has several good-but-not-great teams, the AFC has some beasts. There are teams here that would be Super Bowl contenders in the NFC but will struggle to make the playoffs in the AFC.

In the AFC East, the New England Patriots improved themselves with the addition of WR Randy Moss. This combined with a weak East division gives the Patriots a cakewalk into the playoffs. The New York Jets will be competitive, and would really like to trade places with the Giants to be in the NFC. Some pick Buffalo to be decent. I don't. Their schedule really works against them. Miami will be woeful.

AFC East Projections
New England 12-4
NY Jets 7-9
Buffalo 3-13
Miami 2-14

The AFC North looks to be really, really strong. The Baltimore Ravens will ride their defense to a dominating season. Right behind them will be the rebounding Cincinnati Bengals with their high-flying offense. Pittsburgh will be pretty good, but would be a Super Bowl contender in the NFC. Cleveland will be pathetic.

AFC North Projections
Baltimore 13-3
Cincinnati 12-4
Pittsburgh 9-7
Cleveland 4-12

In a later post, this blog will look at the AFC South and West divisions.